Emergency Management, and Safety Tips
A storm system moving through the Plains and the Ozarks Wednesday and early Thursday will produce widespread snowfall across the region. Snowfall accumulation of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts are possible in Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri. Bitterly cold temperatures will move into the region in the wake of the storm with below zero nighttime temperatures expected late in the week. Wind chill values will be as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero by early Friday morning.
The coldest temps. in 10 years are expected. Check on your neighbors.
Snow Wed followed by extreme cold through Sat. Take all extreme cold precautions; check on elderly, pets, pipes.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
AND CHECK LIST
• Dress in layered clothing and wear some sort of head gear/covering
• Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation and wire condition
• Never place space heaters close to flammable objects, such as drapes or bedding or on top of furniture or near water
• Make sure fireplace flues are working properly
• Check extension cords for breaks or fraying
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors
• Check on your neighbors – especially the elderly
• Keep pets inside
• Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Insulate walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls (water will be less likely to freeze).
• Service snow-removal equipment.
• Have chimney and flue inspected.
• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer
• Prepare your home and car for cold weather – safety kits are available—more—Before a winter storm hits:• Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies
• Keep a water supply
• Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:
o Battery-powered radio (for listening to local emergency instructions). Have extra batteries
o National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver (for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts)
• Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather
• Listen to emergency broadcastsWinter storm warning terms:
• Winter weather advisory (Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.)
